Justin BERTRAND Facing Numerous Charges

(KIRKLAND LAKE, ON) – An arson investigation leads to charges against one individual.

On January 18, 2025, at approximately 5:30 a.m., the Kirkland Lake Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a vehicle fire at a residence on Prince Street in Kirkland Lake. There were no injuries reported.

On January 22, 2025, at approximately 10:56 a.m., the suspect was arrested with the assistance of Timmins Police Service on Mountjoy Street South in Timmins.  The OPP seized a suspected amount of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of approximately $5,500 and a 12 gauge shotgun.

As a result of the investigation, Justin BERTRAND, 34 years-old, of Timmins was charged with the following:

• Arson – damage to property
• Arson – disregard for human life
• Operation while prohibited under the Criminal Code
• Possession of explosive substance contrary to prohibition order
• Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order – six counts
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition – two counts
• Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with
• Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
• Possession of Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Timmins on February 3, 2025.

The investigation is on-going. Further details will be released as they become available.

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